SUV: 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The German Suburban

by
Brendan McAleer, Driving | November 7, 2013

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Largest of the luxury SUVs with class-leading space and comfort; cross-wind fighting technology, popular turbo-diesel power

Updated last year, the heavy-duty GL continues as a family-friendly seven-seater crossover that can’t be beat for cargo space and comfort. It’s a big machine, but any of the available engines, from turbo-diesel to twin-turbo V8, have more than enough torque to get things up and moving. The available AMG version, with a ludicrous 560 lb.-ft. of torque, is an unexpected monster. Inside, the mid-range GL 550 gets more equipment, with climate comfort seats, a power second-row entry system and heated seats out back. There’s more optional features across the range, including climate-controlled cupholders, and the clever new Splitview system: this last allows the driver and passenger to see different things on the same display screen, allowing a ride-along to enjoy watching a movie without distracting from driving duties.